I am not sure what to say, dd had her 6 year check up and her dr feels she needs to be evaluated for ADD services and possibly LD/dyslexia because she has a hard time listening and following directions. She does fine with her work and is not behind at all. All the sample letters state how academically the child is struggling and I don't know what to say to request the evaluation since she isn't. Her teacher has mentioned dd having a hard time listening following directions even when places at a table by herself.

Here to get services for ADD related issues part of the process is a diagnosis from a medical doctor. School districts do not diagnose ADD. Are you concerned? If so, I think your letter should state your concerns, which sound like attention, following directions (language skills), and reading. Here it is VERY rare to say a 6 year old has LD/Dyslexia because they have really barely started the reading process. You can specifically request cognitive testing, academic achievement testing, and an oral language evaluation.

Maybe set up a conference with the teacher to discuss the concerns. Doctors can be a great resource, but they don't always see the same thing teachers see, KWIM?

Here, also, the schools don't evaluate for ADD. Once the child is diagnosed with ADHD, they can evaluate for an IEP or a 504, but if the child isn't struggling academically (or what they are diagnosed with isn't effecting them in the classroom), then the chances of getting an IEP are slim. I have a child with Aspergers, who struggles with so much every day. He also has ADHD, and anxiety, and does not qualify for an IEP because he is too bright.

My advice is to see a specialist (a neuropsychologist, a pyschologist, a neurologist, some one of one of those natures) to get a diagnosis. When your child is diagnosed ADHD or whatever, have that professional request an IEP or a 504 with whatever accommodations they think she needs. You'll have better luck with the diagnosis, and with a professional requesting it.

Here, also, the schools don't evaluate for ADD. Once the child is diagnosed with ADHD, they can evaluate for an IEP or a 504, but if the child isn't struggling academically (or what they are diagnosed with isn't effecting them in the classroom), then the chances of getting an IEP are slim. I have a child with Aspergers, who struggles with so much every day. He also has ADHD, and anxiety, and does not qualify for an IEP because he is too bright.

My advice is to see a specialist (a neuropsychologist, a pyschologist, a neurologist, some one of one of those natures) to get a diagnosis. When your child is diagnosed ADHD or whatever, have that professional request an IEP or a 504 with whatever accommodations they think she needs. You'll have better luck with the diagnosis, and with a professional requesting it.

I had to fight to get my son an IEP. He too has ADHD and Aspergers. Very smart and did not qualify because he tests of the charts. When he got to middle school he was flunking everything because he could not keep up with homework, multiple classes, and any kind of organization. That meant he was not working up to his potential. Finally we got an IEP for other health issue that effects his functioning at school. I also made them put Autism as his secondary because it really effects social aspects of school.